E3 2010: Xbox Summer of Arcade 2010 Revealed

Yesterday’s Microsoft Press Conference passed by without even mentioning it, but the XBLA Summer of Arcade 2010 is on its way soon. Lucky for you, dear reader, we’ve got the details as to which titles will be taking over your life this coming July.

I have to say, as usual, the Summer of Arcade looks incredibly strong. While there’s a couple games I’m not too fussed about (Monday Night Combat springs to mind immediately), I could not be more excited for Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Hydro Thunder Hurricane. I’ll still end up buying all five anyway, so I don’t know why I’m picking my preferences already!

As previously rumored, the Castlevania series will be making its way to the Xbox Live Arcade. While there are no concrete details yet, the title is rumored to include six player co-operative play, sprite artwork and a versus mode.

The sequel to the hit Dreamcast racing title Hydro Thunder features eight new “theme park” environments to race in, as well as eight player online and four player split screen co-op. To check out the trailer, click here.

Since its initial announcement, the hype for Guardian of Light has been building and building, with the trailer only serving to increase it. In case you’re annoyed by the Steam DRM news, Lara will be serving in (in my opinion) this year’s strongest Summer of Arcade title.

While it may seem completely out of place in a festival that’s all about bright lights and pretty colors, Limbo looks incredibly interesting (and simultaneously incredibly creepy). Check out the official trailer from developers PlayJamUK below.

Taking you into the ‘most popular sport of the future’, Monday Night Combat is a mix of intense combat, finishing moves and game-show-like challenges. If you’re imagining a mix between Team Fortress 2 and The Price is Right, then, well, you’re not far off.

Personally, I’m more excited for this year’s Summer of Arcade than any gone before. Sure, last year’s offering was awesome (Shadow Complex was especially fantastic), but I’ve always had a soft spot for Lara Croft and her adventuring ways — not to mention the fact that Hydro Thunder Hurricane looks like it wants to treat me to a holiday. Don’t mind if I do.

Are you looking forward to this year’s Summer of Arcade? Which games are you most likely to buy? Let us know in the comments below.